Mikrobiyalik

Mikrobiyalik is a research institute situated in the northern suburbs of Istanbul, Turkey, dedicated to the study of microbiology and infectious diseases. Established in 1995 through a collaboration between Istanbul University and the Turkish Ministry of Health, the institute was originally focused on the research of waterborne pathogens that affect local communities. Over the past two decades, its mission has broadened to include antibiotic resistance surveillance, vaccine development, and environmental microbiology.

The institute's infrastructure comprises four principal laboratories: Clinical Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, and Antimicrobial Research. In addition to laboratory space, Mikrobiyalik hosts a 200‑seat lecture hall used for training sessions, workshops, and international conferences. The facility also maintains a biobank of over 5,000 bacterial strains, many of which are shared with global partners for comparative studies.

Notable scientists associated with Mikrobiyalik include Dr. Elif Kaya, who led a pivotal study on the spread of multi‑drug resistant *Escherichia coli* in the Marmara region, and Dr. Gürkan Öz, whose work on marine microbiomes has contributed to understanding the ecological impacts of pollution on coastal waters. The institute’s annual publication, the *Journal of Microbial Research in the Marmara*, provides a forum for researchers worldwide to disseminate findings related to public and environmental health.

Mikrobiyalik participates in several European Union projects, such as Horizon 2020 and COST actions on antimicrobial resistance. It also collaborates with local public health agencies to conduct routine surveillance of pathogens in food and water supplies, thereby contributing to national disease prevention strategies.